Режим химиотерапии FOLFOX при колоректальном раке

Chemotherapy regimen

FOLFOX is a chemotherapy regimen for treatment of colorectal cancer, made up of the drugs folinic acid (leucovorin, FOL), fluorouracil (5 FU, F), and oxaliplatin (Eloxatin, OX).

FOLFOX is given directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line. It can be given through a thin, short tube (a cannula) put into a vein in the arm each time one has a treatment. It may also be given through a central line, a portacath, or a PICC line. These are long, plastic tubes that give the drugs directly into a large vein in the chest. The tube can stay in place throughout the treatment. Chemotherapy can be given as cycles of treatment. The number of cycles depends on the situation but may be up to 12. Each treatment cycle lasts 2 weeks. On the first day oxaliplatin is given via IV drip over 2 hours. Folinic acid is given concurrently. This is followed by an injection of fluorouracil into the cannula or central line. An infusion of 5 FU is then started through a drip or pump, which lasts for 22 hours. On the second day, folinic acid is given as an injection or via IV drip for 2 hours. This is followed by an injection of fluorouracil, followed by another fluorouracil infusion through a drip or pump for 22 hours. Patient has no additional treatment for 12 days, after which, the cycle is repeated. If the patient has a central line, the infusions of fluorouracil may be administered at home through a small pump. The patient can retain mobility during infusion by putting the pump in a pouch or bag on a belt (like a bum bag). The patient must return to the treatment center for the second day of their treatment, to have the pump changed unless a chemotherapy nurse is available to change the pump at the patient's home. In some countries (like Germany), it is common practice that patients disconnect the infusion pump themselves at home. When the second infusion of 5 FU is finished, the nurse will disconnect the drip and take the cannula out. If a central line is present, it will be covered and protected with a plastic cap until they start their next treatment cycle.